Christopher Bickes

Christopher Louis Bickes, 75, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in St. Joseph.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 2–3 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Chris' memory may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation or to the family. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Chris was born on Dec. 14, 1949, to Charles and Catherine (Finney) Bickes in Detroit. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Detroit and a master's degree from Michigan State University. On Oct. 23, 1970, Chris married the love of his life, Kathy, and the two started their family together after traveling the U.S. for many years. After Chris's job moved him to several states, Kathy and Chris finally settled in Onekama, Mich., where Chris was involved in the Lions Club and a member of the library board.

Chris was a devout Catholic and was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Onekama. He was an avid reader, kept up in politics and always made sure to watch the Indy 500 every year. Chris enjoyed staying active with many projects. He also loved getting together with friends and family for margaritas and good food. His great sense of humor and open personality made Chris into a great conversationalist. He loved getting to know others and was a great storyteller in return. Chris' passion in life was photography. He had the opportunity to photograph sporting events while attending the University of Detroit as well as different bands. He got the opportunity to teach photography as well, one of which was at The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite. Chris enjoyed nature and landscape photography the best and took countless photos over the years, including many sunsets over Lake Michigan while visiting his grandfather's cottage in Onekama.

Chris will always be remembered by his wife, Kathy; children: Steven Bickes and Kimberly (Brendan) Isaak; granddaughters: Layla Isaak and Ameerah Bickes; siblings: Charlotte (Louis) Major, Charles "Curt" (Janice) Bickes, Cathy Bickes, Carrie Bickes, Connie Bickes, Cecilia Bickes and Collette Finney; many nieces and nephews and their families; and goddaughter, Amy Eberflus.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Clifford Bickes.